Coastal Services Center

These indicators measure aspects of a development design that can enhance or detract from community life. They include open space, sidewalks, paths and trails, docks and waterfront areas, and the viability of walking rather than driving to work, errands, or recreation areas.

Open space, in both natural and managed park forms, offers recreational opportunities close to home. Managed parks also offer outdoor gathering places for neighborhood activities. Sidewalks, paths connecting neighborhoods, and scenic trails along the marsh help bring people outdoors and into the community. The length of docks indicator contrasts designs that include multiple private docks with those with community docks for fishing and temporary dockage. Short walks from residences to open space or neighborhood commercial areas (such as a small restaurant, coffee shop, newspaper stand, or florist) are captured in the two measures under walkability.

For an example of an existing development designed with attention to the kind of details that enhance community life, view the I'On development in Charleston, South Carolina.